Mexico's President Says 'El Chapo' Has Been Captured and Arrested

Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, a notorious Mexican drug lord, has been captured, Mexico's president announced on Friday. President Enrique Peña Nieto tweeted the news: "Mission accomplished: we have him. I would like to inform Mexicans that Joaquín Guzmán Loera has been arrested. My appreciation to the Security Cabinet of the Government of the Republic for this important achievement for the rule of law in Mexico."

Guzman, the head of the Sinaloa Cartel, escaped a maximum security prison in July, creating a major embarrassment for the Mexican government. The Telegraph reports that the custom-built, mile-long tunnel he created may have cost a whopping $50 million, which included bribes to prison workers. He had previously escaped prison in 2001.

NBC News reports that the Mexican navy acted on a tip and stormed a home in Los Mochis, Mexico, early Friday morning. After a firefight, five suspects were killed and six were arrested. According to Reuters, Guzmán may be extradited to the United States, where he is wanted for cocaine smuggling and money laundering.

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Esquire participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.